California Republicans criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling that permits states to count mail-in ballots arriving after Election Day, suggesting it undermines voter trust.
Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate for governor, labeled the decision an “insult,” stating that it would mobilize conservatives as the general election approaches.
“This ruling is a slap in the face to all voters in California and to our democracy,” he expressed to the California Post. “It’s infuriating for anyone who’s discontent with the state’s situation. This absurd, anti-democratic ruling actually boosts my confidence that change is on the horizon.”
The Supreme Court’s decision, made with a narrow 5-4 vote, indicated that federal law does not bar states from counting ballots that reach them post-Election Day, provided state law permits it and that ballots are mailed by the set deadline.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the majority opinion, backed by Chief Justice John Roberts and the three liberal justices, while Justice Samuel Alito dissented, asserting that the decision contravened federal election law and historical practices.
This case diverged from the court’s typical 6-3 ideological split.
Hilton accused those in the majority of overlooking significant issues he perceives in California’s electoral framework.
“Do these justices realize the scale of the corrupt ballot harvesting tactics used by California’s elite?” he questioned.
“In this state, ballots that arrive late often don’t even require a valid postmark to be counted. A ballot can simply be backdated by writing the mailing date.”
Hilton, 56, warned that this ruling might “damage the credibility of California’s elections” by allowing corrupt practices to persist.
Following the June primary in California, Republicans continued to slam the voting system, which accommodates mail-in voting, in-person voting, secure drop boxes, and provisional ballot options.
Election workers are permitted to process pre-election ballots by verifying signatures and preparing them for counting, though actual counting can’t start until polls close.
Ballots postmarked by Election Day may keep arriving, leading to prolonged resolutions in closely contested races.
The Republican National Committee had challenged a Mississippi law allowing ballots with the proper postmark to be counted if they arrived within five business days after the election.
Republicans contend that federal law dictates a uniform election date nationwide, arguing that ballots received post that date should be excluded from counting.
Hilton argued that the ruling should ignite a stronger push among Republicans for election reform.
“The only sensible response now is to double down on efforts to oust the corrupt California establishment this November and implement sensible election reforms,” he stated.
California Assemblyman Carl DeMaio also criticized the ruling, claiming that the state’s election laws exceed what the Supreme Court permits.
“Even with the ruling allowing late mail-in ballots, California’s processes are still unreasonable,” he remarked. “Counting votes without a postmark contradicts this court’s decision.” He is advocating for stricter regulations concerning late ballots.
“I urge state election officials to revise guidance to ensure that only properly postmarked ballots are accepted,” he added.
On the other hand, Democratic lawmakers in Washington celebrated the ruling, while Republicans expressed their frustration.
Congressman Vince Fung remarked, “Americans deserve to know the election outcome on Election Night, not weeks later. In California, weeks after the June 2 primary, results are still pending certification. Stretching Election Day into an election month damages trust in the process.” Fung, who will represent California’s 20th Congressional District starting in 2024, stressed that this ruling continues flawed election policies.
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida also spoke out against the decision, contending that such practices erode electoral integrity.
In contrast, California Governor Gavin Newsom praised the ruling as a victory for voters.
This is a win for voters, without a doubt,” he claimed. “The ruling will assure that mailed ballots are counted and that voices are heard in the democratic process.”
The 58-year-old governor, currently under Justice Department scrutiny, emphasized California’s commitment to enhancing voting access.
“We won’t relent in our efforts to make sure every eligible Californian’s voice is heard, despite ongoing attacks from the Trump administration,” he remarked. “Democracy thrives when everyone participates.”
